《孔雀王》（Peacock King）是由日本漫畫家荻野真創作的超自然題材漫畫，最早連載於1985年至1989年，並被改編成多種形式的媒體，包括動畫電影、OVA（Original Video Animation），以及真人電影。以其獨特的陰陽道設定和驚險的宗教冒險故事在當時的動漫市場上引起不小的轟動。

故事圍繞著一位名叫「孔雀」的年輕僧侶展開。他是高野山密宗的僧侶，具有強大靈力的驅魔師。從小被訓練成為對抗惡靈與妖怪的戰士，經常被派遣去消滅危害世界的邪惡力量。劇情的背景設定涉及大量的佛教元素，尤其是密宗，以及日本傳統的陰陽道，讓整個作品充滿神秘而奇幻的宗教氛圍。孔雀的身世充滿謎團，真實身份是孔雀明王的轉世，而這個身份使得他擁有極大的靈力。同時，這也使他成為黑暗勢力的目標，因為如果這股力量落入邪惡之手，將會毀滅整個世界。孔雀的主要對手是一群邪教組織和惡魔，他們希望利用靈力復活惡魔並統治世界。

除了孔雀，另一位重要角色是阿修羅（Ashura），性格複雜的角色，擁有操控火焰的能力，是解開封印孔雀王的地獄之門的要素。當被六道眾的大聖歡喜天帶走並洗腦，最初是孔雀的敵人，後來成為他的盟友。阿修羅擁有二元性格，身上流淌著惡魔和神聖血脈，這使得她在善惡之間徘徊。她的內心衝突為整個故事增添不少戲劇張力。兩人聯手對抗來自不同次元和世界的敵人，包括古老的惡靈和超自然存在。

故事情節隨著孔雀對抗不同的妖怪和惡靈逐步展開，每個敵人背後都有著豐富的神話和宗教背景，從佛教傳說到日本民間故事，都在《孔雀王》的世界中得到呈現。作品的戰鬥場景設計充滿創意，結合靈力、咒術和符咒等元素，展現高度戲劇化的戰鬥過程。此外，孔雀與阿修羅之間的關係也隨著劇情的發展逐漸加深，兩人在對抗邪惡勢力的同時也探索著各自的命運。

《孔雀王》在當時的動漫市場上受到廣泛關注。結合超自然、宗教元素和戰鬥冒險的設定，吸引大量喜愛神秘題材的觀眾。漫畫的畫風充滿80年代的風格特徵，具有強烈的動作和陰森的氛圍，這在當時的讀者群中引發熱烈的迴響。然而，因為作品的宗教元素濃厚，特別是涉及到佛教的符號與故事背景，曾經引發過一些爭議，部分宗教團體對作品的某些呈現方式表示不滿，認為它對宗教信仰的描繪存在誤導。然而，這些爭議並未阻礙《孔雀王》在市場上的成功，反而讓它成為一部具有話題性的作品。《孔雀王》還被改編成兩部真人電影，分別於1988年和1990年上映，在亞洲地區取得不錯的商業成功，尤其是在日本和香港，進一步擴大該作品的影響力。此外，OVA動畫系列也於1989年推出，為喜愛這部作品的觀眾提供更多視覺體驗。

總體來說，這是一部以超自然冒險為主題的經典漫畫，結合佛教、陰陽道以及日本傳統文化元素。以其獨特的設定和精彩的故事情節在動漫界取得成功，成為80年代後期的一部代表性作品。儘管曾經引發爭議，但這部作品仍然在粉絲心中佔有重要地位，被認為是不可忽視的經典動漫之一。

Peacock King (Japanese: 孔雀王) is a supernatural-themed manga created by Japanese manga artist Makoto Ogino, originally serialized from 1985 to 1989. It was adapted into various forms of media, including animated films, OVAs (Original Video Animations), and live-action films. The manga made a significant impact in the anime market of its time with its unique use of Onmyodo (Japanese esoteric cosmology) and its thrilling religious adventure storyline.

The story follows a young monk named Kujaku (Peacock), who is a Shingon monk from Mount Koya and possesses powerful spiritual abilities as an exorcist. Trained from a young age to battle evil spirits and demons, Kujaku is frequently sent to eradicate malevolent forces that threaten the world. The setting of the story incorporates a great deal of Buddhist elements, especially Shingon Buddhism, as well as traditional Japanese Onmyodo, which gives the work a mystical and fantastical religious atmosphere.

Kujaku's origins are shrouded in mystery, as it is revealed that he is the reincarnation of Mahamayuri, a powerful deity. This grants him immense spiritual power, making him a target for dark forces who seek to use his powers to destroy the world. Kujaku's main adversaries are a group of cultists and demons who aim to harness his spiritual energy to revive evil beings and take over the world.

Another key character is Ashura, a complex individual with the ability to control fire. She plays a pivotal role in unlocking the Hell Gate that could release the Peacock King. Initially manipulated and brainwashed by the Daiseiju Hanjiten (a powerful demonic force), she starts off as Kujaku's enemy but eventually becomes his ally. Ashura embodies a dual nature, with both demonic and divine blood flowing through her, which causes her to struggle between good and evil. Her internal conflict adds significant dramatic tension to the story. Together, Kujaku and Ashura face enemies from different dimensions and worlds, including ancient spirits and supernatural entities.

As the plot unfolds, Kujaku faces off against various demons and spirits, each with deep mythological and religious backstories. The world of Peacock King draws on everything from Buddhist legends to Japanese folklore, bringing these elements to life. The battle scenes are creatively designed, blending spiritual powers, spells, and talismans, creating highly dramatic combat sequences. Additionally, the relationship between Kujaku and Ashura deepens as the story progresses, as they not only fight against evil forces but also explore their own fates.

Peacock King garnered widespread attention in the anime market at the time. Its blend of supernatural elements, religious themes, and adventurous battles attracted a large audience interested in mysticism. The manga’s art style reflects the trends of the 1980s, filled with strong action scenes and eerie atmospheres, resonating strongly with readers of the era.

However, due to the heavy use of religious elements, particularly Buddhist symbols and narratives, the series sparked some controversy. Certain religious groups expressed dissatisfaction with the way the story depicted religious faith, accusing it of misrepresenting certain aspects of Buddhism. Nonetheless, these controversies did not impede the commercial success of Peacock King; in fact, they made it a more talked-about work.

Peacock King was adapted into two live-action films, released in 1988 and 1990, both of which enjoyed commercial success in Asia, particularly in Japan and Hong Kong, further expanding the series' influence. Additionally, an OVA series was launched in 1989, offering fans more visual experiences based on the original work.

In conclusion, Peacock King is a classic manga centered around supernatural adventures, blending elements of Buddhism, Onmyodo, and traditional Japanese culture. Its unique setting and compelling storyline achieved significant success in the anime world, making it one of the defining works of the late 1980s. Despite the controversies it faced, the series remains beloved by fans and is regarded as an iconic and unforgettable classic in anime history.